Saturday, July 19, 2008

Small Tasks, Big Accomplishments

Saturday used to be the day that I would reserve to get all the "stuff" done that I needed to get done.  Clean the house, do all of the laundry, balance the checkbook, take a walk, cook a meal, blog, etc.  This is not the case lately because lately I have become a mother of infant twins.  I find myself saying things like:
"Ok, what is something I can eat that requires the least preparation and easiest clean up?"
"Now, I will wash these towels."
"I should go get the mail and bring the trash in."
"It's been two days since I washed my hair, what's one more half day?"
"Who has time to put on a bra?"

I was talking on the phone with a friend and was telling her some of these thoughts and we laughed when I explained the advantage of having babies that only weigh 4 pounds:  you can put one over your shoulder, hold onto their feet, and clean the kitchen while the other one sleeps on the couch barricaded by pillows.  And if moving room to room you can do this with both of them on opposite shoulders.  Also, you can achieve two handed tasks like spreading mayo on a sandwhich if you hold your 4 pound baby like a cell phone: pinned on your face between your cheek and your shoulder.  This also works to burp them.  I won't be able to "tote" them as easily the bigger they get.

Back to the point.  I have so many "small tasks" to get done but am finding that even the smallest of which, unloading the dishwasher, must be worked into a strict regime.

I am not complaining.  In fact, I have NEVER been happier and more appreciative of the small things in life.  There is something extremely liberating about going all day bra-less, un-showered, and having the ability to say that I took care of what mattered most, my family, the rest can wait.

And a pretty remarkable "by the way":

I forgot to post that the day before we brought the babies home from the hospital it had been storming outside and I looked out and saw two rainbows.  I am not kidding.  We all know what rainbows symbolize in the Christian faith, God's promise after the flood that He would never flood the Earth again... I believe that promise is open for interpretation and application.  Mine was that after our long storm in the NICU, the babies were coming home, and it would be a while, if ever, before a "storm" like that would happen again.

7 comments:

Mom said...

Laura--I love you and your precious thoughts. Kiss those girls for me. MT"s mom

Heather said...

Oh, I remember the days of "Who cares if I wait another 4 hours to shower. I have already waited 2 days?" And I remember not bothering with the bra too... or the real clothes. PJs work just fine thanks.

There are still times when, with a 6 year old and a 4 year old, we return to those modes, but mostly I shower and dress daily now. :) And I do wear a bra quite often. ;)

It makes me smile so big to read this post.

Stephanie said...

I'm ready to give up on the house. I'll pick up when they go to kindergarten.

I bought a baby sling today, and aside from our camera, I haven't been this excited about any purchase in a LONG time. I kept thinking, do you know how much I can DO if I have both hands free while he sleeps on me? It's going to be great.

Glad you're enjoying the chaos.

Wendy and Michael said...

Hello,
I found your blog through Footprints Ministry. My twin boys were born 10 weeks early and had to stay in the NICU for 45 days. They are 7 months old now. Reading your post today reminded me of the first few months they were home. Things are better now. I do get out of my pjs before lunch, and sometimes I get a shower everyday instead of every 2-3 days. The next few weeks will seem that they do nothing but eat and sleep all the time. Then you will wake up one morning and they will be doing so many different things. You will wonder, when did that start happening. Anyway, enjoy every moment because it does go by way too fast!

Wendy Smith

Eleanor said...

Jackie and I saw those rainbows, too! Totally blew us away.

Hitch the girls up (and you know which girls I'm talkin' about). Trust me, what feels liberating right now can trip you up in 25 years. Literally.

;-)

Can't wait to SEE Harper and Lily/Lily and Harper....

Mrs. Morris said...

Okay...never had babies...but totally understand the no bra thing. I do that all the time when I am home alone! It is the most freeing feeling. Love the post...nice to know that you don't always look perfect!

Jessica said...

I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. It is so hard to get things done... and you are right... it's the small things! I have made it a goal to at least take a shower every day and if I am able to do that... I have accomplished a lot! By the way... I updated my blog today!!! Yea for me! That was a MAJOR accomplishment!